How to send messages, photos, and packages
Dauphin County Prison uses ViaPath (formerly GTL) for inmate telephone service and tablets. You can create an account online or by phone. Phone accounts are tied to your phone number—not the inmate's name or DCP#—and money added to a specific number limits calls to that number only. Inmates typically receive their phone PIN the next business day. Lost or compromised PINs? Reissue requests go through the Deputy Warden of Security. All calls must be scheduled and are limited to 15 minutes. The facility doesn't provide personal or long-distance calls; staff handle emergencies as needed, and written communication is encouraged. Tablet services include both free and paid options, with funds added online or by phone.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
Dauphin County Prison changed how personal mail works—most letters don't go straight to the jail anymore. Send mail to the wrong place or skip the proper labeling for legal mail, and it's coming right back to you.
Dauphin County Prison changed how personal mail works in May 2021. You no longer send letters directly to the jail. Instead, everything goes to an outside mail processing center, where it's scanned and delivered to your loved one on their tablet.
Set up an account with ViaPath (formerly GTL) online or by phone. The account is tied to your phone number, so add the number you want calls routed to. You may need to add funds through the vendor for calls or paid tablet features.
Yes. Inmate phone calls must be scheduled, and each call is limited to 15 minutes.
No. Personal or long-distance calls are not provided; emergencies are handled by staff as needed, and written communication is encouraged instead.
Send personal letters to the off-site mail processing center designated for Dauphin County Prison so the mail can be scanned and delivered to inmate tablets. Don’t mail personal correspondence directly to the jail building—those items will be returned to sender.
Personal mail sent directly to Dauphin County Prison will be returned to the sender rather than delivered to the inmate.
Clearly mark the envelope as legal mail and include a verifiable return address. If legal mail isn’t clearly marked or doesn’t have a return address, it will be returned to sender.
Your first visit to Dauphin County Prison goes smoother when you bring the right ID, travel light, and prepare for screening at the door. This guide covers the most common reasons people get turned away—and how to avoid them.
Visiting someone at Dauphin County Prison goes smoothly when you come prepared. This checklist covers everything you need to get through sign-in and screening without any problems.
Phone access at Dauphin County Prison starts with a PIN. Inmates typically receive theirs the next business day after booking—so don't worry if you don't hear anything right away.
